KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Senior midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo was named to the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC) Hermann Trophy watch list for the 2013 season, announced the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Tuesday. The Naperville, Ill., native earned a spot on the prestigious list for the highest individual award in college soccer for the third year in a row.

DiBernardo led the Illini in goals (8), points (21) and shots (89) in 2012 on her way to earning third-team All-America and first-team All-Great Lakes honors. For her career, she is a two-time NSCAA All-American and a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection along with being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2010 and Big Ten Midfielder of the Year in 2011. Top Drawer Soccer recently ranked her as the top player in the Big Ten and No. 3 overall player in the country heading into the 2013 season.

DiBernardo is one of three Big Ten players recognized with the preseason honor along with Penn State's Whitney Church and Maya Hayes. A total of 31 athletes were selected to the watch list, led by eight players from the ACC, including last year's winner Crystal Dunn of North Carolina.

The MAC Hermann Trophy is the highest individual award in college soccer presented annually to one male and one female athlete. The winners will be announced Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, at the trophy presentation banquet at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.

Illinois will begin the 2013 season on the road at No. 10 Notre Dame on Aug. 23 at 4:30 p.m. and at Louisville on Aug. 25 at noon. The Illini will host their home opener at the Illinois Soccer and Track Stadium against College of Charleston on Aug. 30 at 7 p.m.